A TV9 Digital meeting held in Purnia, Bihar, on Saturday, discussed the issue of reservation for the Pan-Tanti community and the potential alignment of the Indian Inclusive Party (IIP) with either the NDA or the Mahagathbandhan. All political parties present at the discussion in Bihar agreed on providing reservation to the Pan-Tanti community.
Furthermore, the IIP leader clarified that their party has decided to contest the elections with the alliance that promises or announces reservation for the Pan-Tanti community. The IIP will align itself with such an alliance.
Indian Inclusive Party leader Khushboo, participating in the meeting, stated that the Pan-Tanti community had previously received reservation, which was later revoked. Reservation was granted in 2015 by Nitish Kumar but was later canceled by the Supreme Court. Review petitions were also filed, but no action was taken. She emphasized that her party would support whoever provides reservation to the Pan-Tanti community. She added that if the NDA secures reservation for the Pan-Tanti community through parliamentary processes, they would support them, provided it is guaranteed in writing before the election, with a bill passed within five days. Otherwise, they would not.
She made it clear that they are entering into an alliance, with doors open to both the NDA and the Mahagathbandhan, but they would only join the alliance that ensures the restoration of the revoked reservation, as their primary priority is reservation.
RJD leader Professor Alok stated that the Rashtriya Janata Dal works for all castes and religions. They support giving the Pan community appropriate participation and responsibility. He claimed their party addresses all sections of society. He noted that the NDA’s approach has been to take away what was given. He stated the Pan community should retain its status as an SC. The Pan community deserves its rightful share. His party doesn’t focus on caste-based politics, instead, they talk about social harmony. The SC status was granted to the Pan community in 2015, and there is a need to understand why the Supreme Court rejected it. If the NDA supports the Pan community, why didn’t the center file an affidavit? He accused the NDA of hypocrisy. He mentioned that his party has worked to give respect to the Pan-Tanti community in Purnia and that his party is ready to make any sacrifice for the rights of the oppressed.
LJP leader Nishant Mishra stated that the Pan-Tanti community has been with the NDA. The government needs to take the matter of providing reservation to the community very seriously. Nitish Kumar has filed a review petition. The government is serious about this matter and will make a decision in favor of the government. He added that the Pan community should get their rights. The NDA government is very positive towards the Pan community. This matter is in court. The government is waiting for the court’s decision, but the opposition is trying to mislead the Pan community. He attacked AIMIM, saying they should contest all 243 seats. Regarding Chirag Paswan, he mentioned that as a worker, he believes Chirag can lead the state, but there is no CM vacancy in 2025. They will fight under Nitish’s leadership and re-establish him. He wants Chirag Paswan to become PM. The future belongs to Chirag Paswan.
AIMIM leader Adil Hasan said that they are with those who oppose the BJP. They are with those who will defeat the BJP. He said that the government in Patna will not make decisions for Seemanchal. He questioned why Nitish Kumar is not talking about a special package for Bihar, as there are five hospitals in Patna but not even one in Seemanchal. He said there is corruption everywhere in Bihar. He questioned when will Seemanchal get special status? He stated that there is an 18% Muslim population in the state and Lalu Prasad Yadav gave two tickets. The JDU and RJD did not send a Dalit to the Rajya Sabha, and they talk about social justice. Muslims have not received their due participation, and they should.
